Amerika 1697 - 1739

This print, made by Louis Desplaces, depicts an allegorical figure of ‘Amerika’. The figure is adorned with a feathered headdress, a quiver slung over her shoulder, and a skirt, all of which signify the ‘exotic’ and ‘untamed’ image of the Americas in the European imagination. Note the alligator at her feet, a motif that reappears in depictions of the Americas during this era. The alligator is a symbol of the New World’s wildness, embodying the mysterious and dangerous allure of the uncharted lands. Consider how these symbols differ from indigenous cultures, highlighting the distortions and projections inherent in cross-cultural representation. These symbols are not static; they transform and evolve, shaped by the collective anxieties and aspirations of those who employ them, revealing a complex interplay between perception and projection. The image engages us on a subconscious level, reminding us of the power of symbols to shape our understanding and perpetuate cultural narratives.